House Passes CG Acquisition Reform Bill

On July 29, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, joined his colleagues in unanimously passing H.R. 1665, the Coast Guard Acquisition Reform Act of 2009—legislation that Congressman Cummings introduced to build on

Dockwise Joins Forces with Yacht Path

Dockwise Ltd. announced plans for its wholly owned subsidiary Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT) to merge with Yacht Path International Inc. The combination of Yacht Path with DYT will create an enterprise capable of transporting yachts of any size to any destination around the globe and broaden the scope of services to any client,

Secretary LaHood Addresses MTSNAC

Secretary LaHood for the Department of Transportation addressed the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council on July 23, 2009. Consistent with America’s Marine Highway Program’s mandates to reduce congestion, conserve energy, and improve the environment, the Secretary charged

Oberstar Proposes New Fees

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released the statement of Representative James Oberstar (D-MN) before the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures of the House Committee on Ways and Means. In his statement, Representative Oberstar, who chairs the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,

Horizon Lines Reports Q3 Results

Horizon Lines, Inc. (NYSE: HRZ), reported results for its fiscal second quarter ended June 21, 2009. On a GAAP basis, the company reported a net loss of $(31.1) million, or $(1.02) per share, on revenue of $278.5 million. The results reflect certain items, including a $20 million charge related to the

USCG – Members Sought for CTAC

The US Coast Guard is seeking applications for appointment to membership on the Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC), which advises the service on matters relating to the safe and secure transportation and handling of hazardous materials in bulk on US-flag vessels in US ports and waterways.

Rescue 21’s Disaster Recovery System

The Rescue 21 Disaster Recovery System (DRS), a self-sufficient mobile system designed to temporarily restore full Rescue 21 communications in the event regular communications are lost, can now be deployed throughout the continental United States with as little as 24 hours notice. This is an important capability as the U.

Seacor Holdings Q2 Results

Seacor Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CKH) announced net income attributable to its stockholders for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009 of $42.3 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $389.2 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2009, net income attributable to SEACOR Holdings Inc.

Ross & Baruzzini Appoints Transportation Director

Allan Shapiro has joined Ross & Baruzzini as Vice President and Director of the Transportation Group. In this role, he is responsible for managing the firm’s aviation, seaport, rail transit, and surface transportation practice. Allan brings to Ross & Baruzzini over 35 years of experience in the transportation field.

TSA – Revision to Enforcement Procedure

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an interim final rule revising its Investigative and Enforcement Procedures to conform to the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The rule establishes procedures by which TSA may assess civil penalties for violations

Jumbo Offshore, North Amethyst Project

On June 20, Technip, supported by Jumbo Offshore, completed the installation of four subsea structures including two Module Support Frames each weighing approximately 150 tonnes. The foundations were lowered to the Grand Banks sea floor at a depth of approximately 120 meters and will support subsea

OPK Shipyards Delivers New Icebreaker

United Industrial Corporation (OPK) shipyards have delivered a diesel electric line icebreaker "St. Petersburg" to Rosmorport (Russian Maritime Port). A solemn ceremony of the signing of the takeover certificate and making the colors of the Russian Federation on the icebreaker was held at the Baltiysky Zavod plant, a part of OPK.

Dryships Acquires Remainder of Drilling Rig

DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ:DRYS), a global provider of marine transportation services for drybulk cargoes and off-shore contract drilling services, announced today that it has closed the acquisition of the remaining 25% of the total issued and outstanding capital stock of Primelead Shareholders Inc.<br

Navy, Army Name Joint High Speed Vessels

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Secretary of the Army Pete Geren announced the names of the first three Joint High Speed Vessels as Fortitude (JHSV 1), Vigilant (JHSV 2) and Spearhead (JHSV 3). &nbsp; A cooperative effort between the Navy and the Army, JHSVs will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops,

$60m in ARRA Funds for Ferry Facilities

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced $60m in grants to 19 states and one U.S. territory to improve ferry service and save and create jobs under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.&ldquo;The Recovery Act was put in place quickly to rescue the economy from the worst recession

Seanergy to Acquire Bulk Energy Transport

Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SHIP; SHIPW) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Constellation Bulk Energy Holdings, Inc. to acquire Seller's 50% ownership interest in Bulk Energy Transport (Holdings) Limited for a nominal cash consideration. The remaining 50% of BET is owned

America's Marine Highways Grants Proposed

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) to reduce congestion on the nation&rsquo;s roads by encouraging freight to be carried by ships.&nbsp; The measure would create a grant program for America&rsquo;s Marine Highways

Crowley Delivers for London's Royal Ballet

Beginning this week hundreds and possibly even thousands of Cubans will have the opportunity to see world-class dancers from The Royal Ballet, Great Britain's largest and most prestigious ballet company, as they perform in Cuba's two most iconic theaters, the Gran Teatro de la Habana, Sala Garcia Lorca and the Karl Marx Teatro.

Crowley Organizational Changes

Crowley announced several management changes within its logistics services group. Robert (Bob) Weist has been promoted to vice president of sales and will be responsible for all business development functions and North American transportation services, including trucking and rail. He remains

PVA President Testifies Before Congress

In testimony before Congress, PVA President Bill Clark told legislators that the Coast Guard&rsquo;s centralized system for issuing merchant mariner credentials must be improved.Captain Clark, who is also co-owner and operator of South Ferry, Inc., of Shelter Island, N.Y. testified before

Oceanfreight Inc. Acquires Capesize Vessel

OceanFreight Inc., (NASDAQ:OCNF) a global provider of seaborne transportation services for both drybulk and energy commodities, announced it has agreed to acquire a 2006 built 173,949 dwt Capesize bulk carrier for a purchase price of $61.25m. The vessel is scheduled for delivery before November 30, 2009.

MARAD Awards $17.1m in Shipyard Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation&rsquo;s Maritime Administration announced $17.1m in grants to 14 small shipyards in 10 states.&nbsp; The grants are part of the Assistance to Small Shipyards program.&ldquo;Small shipyards are vitally important for the health of the maritime industry,

Dryships to Acquire Rest of Drilling Rig Unit

DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ:DRYS) a global provider of marine transportation services for drybulk cargoes and off-shore contract drilling services, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining 25% of the total issued and outstanding capital stock of Primelead Shareholders Inc.Upon closing of this transaction,

Cummings on Maritime Credentialing

In a prepared statement for Congressman, Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, addressed a hearing on The National Maritime Center and Maritime Credentials. A live webcast of the hearing is available at http://transportation.house.

DOT Sells Two More Ships for Recycling

The U.S. Department of Transportation&rsquo;s Maritime Administration has sold two ships for recycling to Esco Ltd. of Brownsville, Texas for a total of $171,452. Resolute, a partial container/breakbulk ship built in 1980, brought a purchase price of $90,726. Resolute is currently moored

Continued Support for GLSLS

Fifty years after the official opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Canadian and U.S. Seaway corporations remain resolute in their commitment to the sustainability of this bi-national transportation system. A recent U.S. and Canadian

Awarded: $17.1m in U.S. Shipyard Grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation&rsquo;s Maritime Administration today announced $17.1 million in grants to 14 small shipyards in 10 states.&nbsp; The grants are part of the Assistance to Small Shipyards program.&ldquo;Small shipyards are vitally important for the health of the maritime industry,

Jumbo Shipping and Volgo-Baltic Logistic

LC Volgo-Baltic Logistic (VBL), one of Russia&rsquo;s biggest freight agencies, has signed an exclusive agreement with Dutch Heavy Lift shipping company Jumbo Shipping. Jumbo Shipping has appointed VBL as its exclusive commercial agent for Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). <br

Naval Grant for DynCorp

DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a&nbsp;$45,649,330 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N62742-08-C-1115) to exercise the second option period to provide support services for Philippines Operations Support in the Republic of the Philippines

Safe Bulkers Fleet and Employment Update

Safe Bulkers, Inc. an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, announced updates to its fleet and employment profile.The company has cancelled one of its two Capesize class newbuilds and has substituted it with another newbuild to be delivered in April 2010. The

House Passes NDAA with Cummings Amendment

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, joined his colleagues in a vote of 389-22 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 2647, which included a Cummings amendment that would require the Department of Defense to protect U.

ACMA Monitors First Dry Dock of TxDOT Ferry

Alan C. McClure Associates (ACMA), a naval architecture and engineering firm, announced that the first dry dock for a ferry being built for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been completed at Conrad Deepwater in Amelia, Louisiana. ACMA and Schuller &amp; Allen provided engineering and design for the new 264-ft vessel,

Port of Wilmington Tightens Security

The Port of Wilmington took a major security step to comply with the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. Port security officials are using Datastrip&rsquo;s DSV2+TURBO card readers to enroll and positively identify the port&rsquo;s authorized workers. Codebench&rsquo;s PIVCheck

Joint Leadership Meeting, Russian Shipbuilders

Led by Alexander Ananenkov, Deputy Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee, the company&rsquo;s delegation continues its business trip to Saint Petersburg.The delegation is composed of Oleg Aksyutin, Member of the Management Committee &ndash; Head of the Gas Transportation, Underground Storage and Utilization Department,

Abu Dhabi Starts Work on Landing Craft

Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) has begun work on the first of two steel landing craft being built for the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces. The contract for the 137.8 ft vessels was won against stiff competition from international shipyards, further confirming ADSB&rsquo;s position as the region&rsquo;s leading provider of support services to GCC navies.

WSDOT Sells Vessel to Recycler

Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) has sold four 1927-built Steel Electric class vessels to Eco Planet Recycling, Inc. of Chula Vista, Calif. The total combined sale price for all four ferries is $200,000.The Washington State Department of General Administration approved the sale on Wednesday,

Kurz & Widdows Receive AOTOS Award

The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2009 40th Annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Donald Kurz, President and CEO of Keystone Shipping Co., headquartered in Philadelphia, and to Ronald Widdows, Group President and CEO of NOL (Neptune Orient Lines) of Singapore, parent company of American President Lines (APL).

Dry Ships Signs Agreement with DnB NOR

DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ:DRYS), a global provider of marine transportation services for drybulk cargoes and off-shore contract drilling oil services, announced that it has signed an agreement with DnB NOR on waiver terms for $86m of our outstanding debt. George Economou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,

Safe Bulkers Sells Panamax Class Vessel

Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE: SB), an international provider of marine drybulk transportation services, announced the sale of a Panamax Class Vessel. Safe Bulkers has entered an agreement to sell a 76,000 dwt Panamax class vessel built in 2003 for $33m, excluding commissions to brokers. The vessel will be delivered to its new owners in December 2009.

First Phase of Custom Built Terminal in Houston

Westway Terminal Company LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Westway Group, Inc. (WTWG), opened Phase I of a Custom Built Bulk Liquid Storage Terminal for Nynas Americas at the Westway's Houston-1 Terminal.In an effort to improve its customer satisfaction and efficiencies, Nynas contracted
Contracts Iranian Shipyard Karoon Signs New Contract. VSE Awarded Support Contract for Iraqi Navy. GA Contract for Launch & Recovery Systems. Proserv Offshore Windfarm Contract. Aker Solutions LOI for Gudrun Tie-in to Sleipner.
Cruise Ship Trends Obama Signs Cruise Ship Safety Bill. Port of Kiel docks four cruise ships at once. GNMTC Orders Cruise Ship from STX France. Costa Cruises Installs Funnel on Costa Favolosa. New England Ports Expect Record Cruise Season.
Education/Training Cummings Recognizes 100th Anniversary of USCG Academy. Naval Engineering Education Center Kick Off. Training Course Certified to Ice Navigation Standard. VMT on IMO’s Recognition of Survival Craft Simulation. China’s Harbin Engineering University Uses FORAN.
Environmental China’s Oil Pollution Laws Worth Watching. GLMRI Awarded $750,000 Clean Diesel Grant. PHA, Maersk $1.5m EPA Grant for Emissions Reduction. EPA Statement: Use of Oil Dispersant on the Oil Spill. German Caterpillar Facility Receives Sustainability Award.
Finance Statoil Q2: High Activity, Good Operations. General Maritime Q2 & Six Months Results. Navios Maritime Partners Results for Q2 2010. Athens Group Doubles Revenue, First Half of 2010. J.F. Lehman & Company Completes Sale of Atlantic Marine.
Marine Electronics Consilium Oil Spill Radar Tested. Jeppesen, Brazil Forge Marine Data Agreement. Thrane & Thrane to Launch New VSAT Antenna. NMEA Board of Directors Changes. Alewijnse Marine Systems Outfits Oceanco Motoryacht.
Marine Propulsion Air Supported Monohull with Pod Propulsion. Bay Diesel & Generator Distributor for Scania/Terex. Vane Brothers, Alban Tractor Aid Oil Spill Clean-up. NOC Remanufactured Gear Elements for USNS Arctic. ZF Marine opens Technical Training Center.
Navigation NOAA Fairweather Updates Arctic Charts. Icebergs across the North Atlantic. WCI: Groundswell of Support for Inland Waterways Capital Plan. Leaders Tour Canal Site. Raytheon Anschütz New Intelligent Bridge System.
Navy This Day in Naval History – July 29. This Day in Naval History – July 28. This Day in Naval History – July 27. This Day in Naval History – July 26. NG: Maritime Laser Demo System Proves Capabilities.
Offshore Offshore: Winds of change or a storm to weather?. Salazar Visits GOM Rigs, Observes Inspections & Safety. Noble Closes Acquisition of Frontier Drilling. Huisman Delivers Crane to Deep Water Construction Vessel. Advertising Campaign To Fight Drilling Ban.
Ports Two Finalist Proposals for New Port of Philadelphia Terminal. LaHood Green Lights Oahu Container Yard. DP World Antwerp Commissions Liebherr Crane. Port of Kiel docks four cruise ships at once. Wilhelmsen Large Project Loading at Huangpu.
Ship Sales Oil and Garbage Skimmer Vessel for Charter, Sale. Recent Ship Sales. Beijing Plan to Scrap Old Ships. Diana Shipping to Buy Container Ships. Sale of Two New AHT Supply Vessels.
Shipbuilding Iranian Shipyard Karoon Signs New Contract. VSE Awarded Support Contract for Iraqi Navy. China Shipbuilding Winning More Orders. PACSHIP Offers Precision Water Jet Cutting. General Maritime May Buy More Tankers.
Technology Fugawi X-Traverse Compatible with the iPad. NG: Maritime Laser Demo System Proves Capabilities. Air Supported Monohull with Pod Propulsion. ASC Chosen for North Sea Platform. VMT on IMO’s Recognition of Survival Craft Simulation.
Workboats Two More High-Bollard-Pull Ocean Tugs for Crowley. AVRA Towage Adds to Fleet. BCGP Delivers Seven RIBs to Fla. Fish & Wildlife. Sustainable River Transport. WCI: Groundswell of Support for Inland Waterways Capital Plan.
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